The Ford Barn

Robert Dip · 07-04-2011, 11:58 AM

Do not know if this ever discussed, but I'm more than curious. So many years ago, in talking to Dick Spadaro in Burlington, Vt. at a meet, he confirmed and pointed out to me that the wheels in the rear were not centered with the fenders. He was in his 'Barn' '32 3 W. I guess it is just one of those things with '32's. I have ideas to correct this, but not done it yet.

Would love some feedback here on that subject.....since most of us want to have better looking cars than the ones originally produced.

Andy · 07-04-2011, 02:13 PM

That is the way they were made. I have see rod shops make the wheels centered in the fenders. I think it is a mistake. I very carefully measure and put the wheels a little forward as Henry want them to be.

xix32 · 07-04-2011, 04:27 PM

yes, at least 1" to far forward of center. it seems to be one of those engineering mistakes they just had to live with. trying to "fix" it opens up a can of worms. if you want to still use the stock rear spring, you can't move the rear crossmember back without running into the tank. i have thought about it by starting with a `33-`34 rear end (because it's longer) an open drive rear axle with a straight `40 type spring and a straight new rear crossmember, so-cal style would be one way. but then you end up with a modern street rod.

Robert Dip · 07-05-2011, 07:41 AM

I see not too many guys are venturing into this topic. In the early 60's, building a Hot Rod and using a '32 frame & spring, I had not placed the rear end correctly, and had to move it 1/2". The solution was not in moving the spring or crossmember, but fabricating stepped shackels. This is done by using a strip of stee, cutting it into 3 pieces, and welding them in a stepped fashion. Problem solved, been driving the car 50 years now. On keeping the torque tube stock style, a 1/2" would have to be added where it meets the transmission. ( 1" offset means correcting it 1/2" )
Yes, the original offset is the way it was, but, it has always bothered me....but that's me.......Robert

Krylon32 · 07-05-2011, 08:33 AM

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Doesn't really apply to this forum but on all the new deuce street rod chassis we build the rear is moved back approx. 3/4 inch to center the rear in the hole. Been doing it this way for over 30 years with no complaints.

07-04-2011, 11:58 AM	#1
Robert Dip Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Candiac, Qc. Posts: 483	'32 Ford wheelbase is off on the rear wheels. Do not know if this ever discussed, but I'm more than curious. So many years ago, in talking to Dick Spadaro in Burlington, Vt. at a meet, he confirmed and pointed out to me that the wheels in the rear were not centered with the fenders. He was in his 'Barn' '32 3 W. I guess it is just one of those things with '32's. I have ideas to correct this, but not done it yet. Would love some feedback here on that subject.....since most of us want to have better looking cars than the ones originally produced.

07-04-2011, 02:13 PM	#2
Andy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kerrville, Tx Posts: 2,880	Re: '32 Ford wheelbase is off on the rear wheels. That is the way they were made. I have see rod shops make the wheels centered in the fenders. I think it is a mistake. I very carefully measure and put the wheels a little forward as Henry want them to be.

07-04-2011, 04:27 PM	#3
xix32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 60 miles west of chicago,IL Posts: 190	Re: '32 Ford wheelbase is off on the rear wheels. yes, at least 1" to far forward of center. it seems to be one of those engineering mistakes they just had to live with. trying to "fix" it opens up a can of worms. if you want to still use the stock rear spring, you can't move the rear crossmember back without running into the tank. i have thought about it by starting with a `33-`34 rear end (because it's longer) an open drive rear axle with a straight `40 type spring and a straight new rear crossmember, so-cal style would be one way. but then you end up with a modern street rod.

07-05-2011, 07:41 AM	#4
Robert Dip Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Candiac, Qc. Posts: 483	Re: '32 Ford wheelbase is off on the rear wheels. I see not too many guys are venturing into this topic. In the early 60's, building a Hot Rod and using a '32 frame & spring, I had not placed the rear end correctly, and had to move it 1/2". The solution was not in moving the spring or crossmember, but fabricating stepped shackels. This is done by using a strip of stee, cutting it into 3 pieces, and welding them in a stepped fashion. Problem solved, been driving the car 50 years now. On keeping the torque tube stock style, a 1/2" would have to be added where it meets the transmission. ( 1" offset means correcting it 1/2" ) Yes, the original offset is the way it was, but, it has always bothered me....but that's me.......Robert

07-05-2011, 08:33 AM	#5
Krylon32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,170	Re: '32 Ford wheelbase is off on the rear wheels. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Doesn't really apply to this forum but on all the new deuce street rod chassis we build the rear is moved back approx. 3/4 inch to center the rear in the hole. Been doing it this way for over 30 years with no complaints.